The Caribbean is the go-to tropical destination in the Western Hemisphere. It is a picturesque region of beautiful landscapes, amazing coral reefs, beaches, and an exotic cultural mix. There are just so many scenic destinations to discover in the Caribbean. While it would be great to pack one’s bags and visit the Caribbean every holiday, such a plan is largely impractical.
It’s expensive and stressful to fly overseas every few months. Fortunately, many summer towns in the USA look like the Caribbean - and some of them and more are in New York. Here are 15 spots in New York that bring the Caribbean paradise experience right at home.
14 Lake Ontario And Its Beach
Size: 7,323 sq miles
In the Huron language, “Ontario” means “great lake.” The United States shares Lake Ontario with Canada. The lake has one of the most extensive sand beaches in the Great Lakes. It’s a great location for summer vacation and taking holiday pictures. Visitors who prefer lake-based activities will not be disappointed since Lake Ontario has massive biodiversity. It easily mimics what one would find on a typical Caribbean shore. Some of the best activities to try include fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
- Max Length: 193 miles
- Max Width: 53 miles
13 Splish Splash Water Park
Season Pass: From $99.99
Visitors who want the island feeling without traveling to the Caribbean will enjoy Splish Splash Water Park. Located in Calverton, Long Island, the park is an amazing experience for summer visitors. It has remained open to the public for the last three decades, which explains its popularity, especially with the locals. This amazing park occupies 90 acres of property with 20 water slides, a 1,300-foot lazy river, and two-wave pools. The water park is a must-try for couples that are keen on making some fun memories. It’s also great for kids, as every attraction is themed for the summer vibe.
- 2024 Season: From May 25th
12 Stony Brook State Park
Admission: $9 per vehicle
Tourists who don’t want to venture to the eastern section of New York should try Stony Brook State Park in Dansville. This amazing park takes waterfall swimming to a whole new level. One of the most interesting aspects of the water park is that it’s quite small. And that is a great advantage for swimmers since most waterfall lakes are dangerous for swimming. It is great for family vacations since trails and camping areas are designated for a wholesome experience. Like other water bodies in New York, the temperatures vary annually. The best time to visit Stony Brook State Park is during the summer.
- 2023 Swimming Season: 24th June to 4th September -10 am to 6 pm
11 Robert H. Tremen State Park
Admission: $9 per vehicle
Tompkins County has what many consider a Caribbean-like paradise at Robert H. Tremen State Park. This gem is amazing and easy to access. It has several miles of hiking parks, 12 waterfalls, and many campsites. The park also features a swimming hole fed via a stream for summertime water games. Out-of-state travelers should check the website to confirm their arrival dates alongside the opening schedule of the pool since swimming is sometimes restricted due to water conditions.
- 2023 Swimming Season: Swimming Daily from June 23rd, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
10 Peekamoose Blue Hole
Admission Fee: $10 per person
The Caribbean vacation experience is often likened to a Disney fairy tale. While such an experience is difficult to replicate, Peekamoose Blue Hole seems to have done just that. The water at this blue hole is so clear one can see the bottom. Thanks to its natural elegance and serenity, this feature has a Garden of Eden feeling. One of the main reasons the Peekamoose Blue Hole retains its pristine look is its maintenance. The blue hole is maintained to ensure no traces of dumping or biodiversity destruction.
- Permits: Required May 15th through Sept. 15
9 Clayton
Population: 5,153
No Caribbean experience is complete without access to a waterfront hotel. The small town of Clayton delivers this experience alongside some of the most beautiful river-side parks in Jefferson County. Tourists who want the full thrill of the experience should rent a glass-bottom boat since the water is crystal clear. They’ll be able to see amazing things through their boats, including hidden wildlife and unrecovered vessel wreckages.
- Founded: 1833
8 Coopers Beach
Length: approx. 500 feet
For those looking to maximize a weekend in New York, Coopers Beach in Southampton is the place to be. This amazing scenery on Long Island has pristine sands perfect for beach activities. A stay at Coopers Beach is not only about playing on the beach since visitors can explore some historic mansions on the island. The contrast between old buildings and the sandy beach produces the perfect Caribbean vibe.
- Chair Rentals: $15 per day
- Umbrella Rentals: $20 per day
7 Green Lakes State Park
Admission: $10 per vehicle
Green Lakes Park has an ironic name since its water looks blue from some angles. The park is a natural wonder in Fayetteville, thanks to its waterfront trails, amazing beach, and fishing opportunities. The glacial lakes and cabins at Green Lakes State Park make the gem a must-visit, especially if one wants a feel of the water-plantation contrast typical of the Caribbean.
- Contact Number: (315) 637-6111
6 Cupsogue Beach County Park
Size: 296 acres
If one is primarily looking for white sands for their next vacation without traveling abroad, Suffolk County might have something perfect for them. One thing that stands out about Cupsogue County Park is the extensive nature of the beach. It runs an almost 300-acre barrier of coastal paradise. With supervised swimming, the park is great for safety, especially for tourists with children. Overall, a visit to Cupsogue Beach is quite unforgettable.
- Contact Number: (631) 852-8113 (Seasonal)
5 Thousand Islands
Number Of Islands: approx. 1,864 islands
Thousand Islands is an archipelago of around 1,864 islands straddling the border between the United States and Canada on the Saint Lawrence River. These islands are stunning and one of the great attractions of New York. While they may not be tropical islands with palm trees like those of the Caribbean, they are the next best thing. The Thousand Islands are one of New York's most underrated destinations and are also home to the world's smallest inhabited island.
- Location: Jefferson County (NY), Frontenac and Leeds & Grenville Counties (Canada)
4 Jasmine's Caribbean Cuisine
Address: 371 W 46th St New York
One of the ways to get a taste of the Caribbean is to enjoy a taste of Caribbean cuisine in NYC. One restaurant in NYC serving authentic Caribbean cuisine is Jasmine's Caribbean Cuisine on Restaurant Row. Enjoy a great range of savory dishes and fruit-filled blends of cocktails inspired by the Caribbean. They have a cuisine that hails from Dominica, Antigua, St. Thomas, Trinidad, and Jamaica.
Opening Hours:
- Tues-Thurs: 4:00 pm – 10:30 pm
- Friday: 4:00 pm – 11:30 pm
- Saturday: 2:00 pm – 11:30 pm
- Sunday: 2:00 pm – 10:30 pm
3 Caribbean Starr
Address: 280 Malcolm X Blvd New York
Another choice of Caribbean cuisine to select from in New York is Caribbean Starr. Caribbean Starr is a great option for those looking for a more straightforward restaurant specializing in Jamaican cuisine. They serve jerk chicken and stews, curry chicken, seafood, and other Jamaican food. They are located at 280 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027, and offer small meals starting from $10.00.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm Sunday to Thursday / 7:00 to 12:00 am Friday & Saturday
2 Heart Island & Boldt Castle
Admission: $13 (castle only)
Heart Island is one of the most remarkable islands in New York's Thousand Islands - and as can be guessed from its name, is in the shape of a heart. Heart Island is located in the Town of Alexandria in Jefferson County and is one of the most famous islands of the archipelago. Heart Island is famous for Boldt Castle first built in 1900 and open to the public (opening for the 2024 season on May 11th). It is the ultimate Upstate New York island summer dream home.
- Adult Entry Fee: $13 castle only / $16 castle + yacht house
- 2024 season: From May 11th
1 Cuba Restaurant
Address: 222 Thompson St, Manhattan
It's not just outdoor places in New York that can feel like Cuba. In New York City, visitors can find Caribbean neighborhoods with Caribbean restaurants and more. One such place is Cuba Restaurant on Thompson Street in Greenwich Village, made to feel reminiscent of any street in Cuba's Old Havana. Here, visitors can enjoy the aroma and flavor of an authentic Cuban restaurant - a piece of Cuba right in Manhattan. Sample the selection of Cuban, Latin, and Spanish dishes while listening to live Cuban and Latin music.
- Lunch: 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday
- Dinner: 4:00 pm to 10:pm Sunday to Wednesday / 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm Thursday / 4:00 pm to 12:00 am Friday & Saturday